A chance to connect and learn with fellow Equity Release Council members, and the Council team, in your region.

Agenda:

12.00 – 13.00: Registration, lunch and networking

13.00 – 13.30: Shaping 2025: Insights, Impact, and Innovation – led by Lee Blackwell, Equity Release Council

We’ll kick off the day with a deep dive into the key trends shaping our industry in 2025. We’ll unpack the latest Q1 stats and what this year has delivered so far, and what it signals for the months ahead. Looking forward, we will also explore insights from the ‘Designing the Future’ session from the adviser conference as well as other recent pieces of research.

13.30 – 13.50:  Standards 2.0: Elevating Industry Excellence – led by Kelly Melville-Kelly, Equity Release Council

Join us as we discuss the key results from the ‘Standards 2.0’ consultation which will deliver the next evolution of the Council’s industry standards shaped by extensive member-led working groups and consultation. We’ll explore the new ‘Consumer Charter’, built around the 4Ts—Trusted, Transparent, Thorough, and Tailored—ensuring better outcomes for clients and firms alike.   Finally, additional data will be shared from recent analysis of the FOS complaints data as well as other Council research projects.

13.50 – 14.20: Maximising Lenders’ Support Services and Marketing Resources – led by Melanie Godley, Pure Retirement

In our recent survey, 66% of advisers identified client misunderstanding as the biggest challenge. Join us for an insightful session as we explore the various marketing resources available to enhance your business’s marketing efforts. Discover what’s on offer and engage with our marketing team for on-site help and advice. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to leverage lenders’ support services to your advantage!

14.20 – 14.40: Refreshment Break

14.40 – 15.00: Unlocking Insights: Key Trends in the Equity Release and Mortgage Markets for Advisers – led by Jess Trueman, Smart Money People

Jess is the Head of Business Development at Smart Money People, the UK’s most comprehensive financial services consumer review website. Smart Money People produces a bi-annual report released in June and December each year as part of their work. The Benchmark is the most significant piece of independent lender research carried out in the industry using broker feedback and provides unique and actionable insight into the UK mortgage market.

15:00 – 15:30 What role does a borrower’s solicitor play in the lifetime mortgage process? – led by Carol Nuttall, Adlington Law

This session will provide an in-depth look at a borrower’s solicitor’s role in the lifetime mortgage process. Carol Nuttall will explain how solicitors represent borrowers’ interests, evaluate offer packs, and prepare tailored reports outlining equity release transactions’ risks and benefits. Attendees will learn about the detailed process from initial instructions to completion, including title checks, client communication, and face-to-face meetings. The importance of specialist solicitors in handling the complexities of equity release will also be highlighted, emphasising their role in ensuring legal compliance and addressing potential client vulnerabilities.

15.30 – 15.40: Council Forums: What they’re working on and how you can get involved – led by Tom Brett, Equity Release Council

The Council’s member-led forums tackle key challenges and opportunities in the later life lending market, driving progress for industry professionals and, most importantly, consumers. Tom will showcase the latest forum initiatives, including how AI and digital connectivity are shaping the sector, the sourcing challenges members face, and challenges relating to customers in vulnerable circumstances. Find out how you can contribute to these vital discussions and help shape the future of our market.

15:40 – 16.00: Utilising AI – led by Daniel Edmondson, Advise Wise 

16.00 – Close